Vicki Cardilini, Laboring, Loving, Becoming (PEOPLE 2025)

Just moments after birthing her baby at home, she's settles onto the couch, still damp from the birth pool, her body still trembling from the effort. Her baby on her chest, still attached by the cord-the placenta not yet delivered. Her arms cradle new life instinctively, her eyes scanning his tiny face with disbelief and wonder. There's no fanfare, just the quiet hum of birth in its most natural form. No medication, no interventions. She throws her back in pure, unfiltered joy !!

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